Fashion students at Wiltshire College & University Centre have been praised for transforming unwanted clothing into striking, saleable designs in support of Dorothy House.
First and second year students at the Trowbridge campus took part in a creative project using donated clothes that were too damaged or worn to be sold. Instead, they reimagined the materials into bespoke garments and accessories, which could now be sold in the charity’s shop at The Shires.
The students selected their materials from rags destined for recycling at Dorothy House’s warehouse in Corsham. First year students focused on partywear for 16 to 25-year-olds, drawing inspiration from Marie Antoinette, while second year students created couture pieces for a fashion show taking place in June.
Dorothy House Head of Communications Katy Hancock and Digital Marketing Executive Alex Winfield visited the college to see the finished designs and were full of praise. “We were amazed by what they had created and we can’t wait to come to the fashion show to see it live,” said Katy.
She added, “It was fantastic to see how they’d incorporated Dorothy House branding into their posters and artwork about sustainable fashion, and we loved some of the slogans. To see what looked like waste turned into something so inventive was incredible.”
Designer Sharon Goold, who has worked with Dorothy House on its Threads For Care initiative, also praised the students’ originality after visiting earlier in the project. “I’m really impressed by the range of design I’ve seen,” she said.
“They haven’t all followed the same ideas, each piece is unique. I’ve been wowed by their creativity and how they’ve used everything they had to hand.”
The finished garments will now be assessed by managers at the Dorothy House shop in The Shires and may also feature in a window display.
Lecturer Helen Chivers said the project had challenged students to think differently and develop real-world skills. “It hasn’t been easy and they’ve had to solve problems along the way,” she said.
“That’s pushed them beyond their usual boundaries, which has been really valuable. Because the project connects directly with Dorothy House and the public, it’s felt very real to them.”
She added that the positive feedback had given students a real boost, saying, “They were proud of what they produced and there’s been a real feel-good factor. They’ll take those skills and confidence into their future work.”
For more information about fashion courses, visit wiltshire.ac.uk.
